Temporary Appointment (TA): Programme Assistant (GS-5), #00101180, Minsk - Belarus

Under the close supervision and guidance of the supervisor, the programme assistant supports the respective section through providing a range of procedural, administrative, operational support in developing, implementing, executing and monitoring their country programme/projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.


Purpose of the Position

Under the close supervision and guidance of the supervisor, the programme assistant supports the respective section through providing a range of procedural, administrative, operational support in developing, implementing, executing and monitoring their country programme/projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.


Key Expected Results

Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or assigned areas of the following major duties and end results:

1. Support to programme/project development, planning and execution:

• Compiles data and information on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate preparation of reports, working papers, and presentations.
• Prepares and maintains records pertaining to programme/projects planning and development for his/her respective section.
• Carries out transactions in VISION (SAP) ensuring programme/projects results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs), and makes amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Arranges meetings, workshops and training courses pertaining to programme/projects development, and provides support in making the necessary logistical arrangements.
• Following up both internally with the Supply section and externally with counterparts to ensure supplies for programme/projects implementation are delivered in a timely and accurate manner.

2. Support to monitoring and reporting of programme results:

• Provides support on budget revision/preparation, implementation status, determination position of funding utilization, operational, and financial closure.
• Monitors budgets and financial expenditures of section, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision/follow up.
• Prepares and maintains records, documents and control plans for the monitoring of projects/programme implementation.

3. Support in resource mobilization:

• Compiles and organizes information and data pertaining to donors (both current and potential).
• Compiles and organizes data and information to assist in the preparation of periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme/projects funds.
• Carries out transactions in VISION (SAP) pertaining to grants for his/her section such as registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme/project grants.
• Supports the processing of contracts for consultants and external partners pertaining to the section.

4. Support in Knowledge Management and capacity building:

• Gathers and shares information as needed in support of improving the processes and daily operations of the section.
• Supports capacity development activities related to performance monitoring, programme/projects development, and related internal UNICEF systems/tools by drafting necessary correspondence, compiling data reports and maintaining relevant records.

Qualifications of a Successful Candidate 

• Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization (in Education, Health, Economics, Social Sciences or other relevant fields).
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible administrative work experience in programme/project management is required.
• Prior work experience in the UN System/UNICEF or another international development organization is an asset.
• Prior experience and hands-on knowledge of an Enterprise Resource System (i.e. SAP) is an asset.
• Prior experience and knowledge of UN System/UNICEF policies, procedures and guidelines is an asset.
• Working knowledge in the Microsoft Suite of Products (including MS Word, MS Excel & MS PowerPoint) is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English and Russian (verbal and written) is required. 
• UNICEF is a non-smoking organization.

Competencies of a Successful Candidate

• Communication, Level 1
• Working with People, Level 2
• Drive for Results, Level 1
• Analyzing, Level 1
• Following Instructions and Procedures, Level 1
• Learning and Researching, Level 1
• Planning and Organizing, Level 1

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Applicants should be nationals of Belarus and should submit their applications in English (a cover letter, CV and P11 form). Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. UNICEF is a non-smoking environment.